Aletta Shikololo
Oshakati – Oshana governor Elia Irimari has commended his region’s drive to enhance socio-economic development through infrastructure development.
Speaking during his state of the region address (SORA) on Wednesday, Irimari said the development of reliable infrastructure in the region is critical, and major projects have been completed during the 2021/22 financial year.
Some of the prioritised projects included the construction of the long-overdue upgrading of DR3607 from Oshakati to Ekango, the upgrading of the Okatana–Ongwediva road to bitumen standard for N$24.1 million, the upgrading of the Andimba Toivo ya Toivo airport intersection road at a cost of N$6.3 million, as well as the ongoing project of rehabilitating the borrow pit, phase one in the region at a contract amount of N$11 million.
He said the progress made in expanding the road networks during the year under review in the region is commendable.
In terms of education infrastructure, the directorate of education has also built infrastructure in the region at a combined capital budget of N$182.2 million.
In order to meet the high energy demand, the region has diversified energy sources, and invested in clean energy infrastructure.
Some of the energy infrastructure projects currently underway include the upgrading of the Omatando substation from 10MVA to 20 MVA to the tune of N$12 million, the installation of LED street lighting in Ondangwa at Olunkono and the road between FNB and NamPost at a cost of N$640 000, as well as the electrification of the Omahenene and Onanyoka growth points.
“These energy projects will be implemented during the current financial year, and are expected to connect 153 households and 32 small businesses,” the governor noted.
Other projects implemented included the upgraded Oshakati purification plant for N$8.9 million, lined with the Oshakati 75 000 cubic meter reservoir for N$7.2 million, and the extension of the Oshakati-Omapale pipeline for N$500 000.
“My office is also committed to advancing sports development for all sports codes in the region. In addition to education, sports development is one of our regional strategies to transform the local economy and prepare the youth for a better future,” he added.
Despite the notable accomplishments in various sectors during the 2021/22 financial year and the high government investments in education, Irimari stated that some students still find it difficult to complete their studies due to financial challenges.
The challenge of students’ accommodation likewiese persists in the region.
To alleviate some of these challenges, the office of the governor has taken the initiative to assist and provide tuition support to 42 students for N$141 820 this year.
The office has further engaged the Ongwediva, Ondangwa and Oshakati town councils to strategically make land available to developers for the construction of affordable accommodation for students in these three towns.
“I am looking forward to having this accommodation problem solved within the next two financial years of 2022/23 and 2023/24,” he
assured.
The region is facing challenges of unemployment, a housing backlog, limited water infrastructure, trying to reduce inequality, and violence against women and children.
Irimari, therefore, called for collective efforts from the public in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth to address the imminent challenges, including youth unemployment.